In recent weeks Mr Cable, not seen as one of Westminster's more flamboyant politicians, has revealed a talent for light entertainment.

During prime minister's questions on Wednesday he reduced MPs to hysterics by likening Gordon Brown - currently beset by a number of crises - to the hapless film character Mr Bean.

However, as with his comments over the Northern Rock crisis and the loss of 25 million child benefit records, he seems serious about tripping the light fantastic.

Asked if he wanted to appear on the show, Mr Cable replied: "Well, you're tempting me. If I received an invite I'd find it very difficult to turn down."

When it was suggested he might even win the contest, following in the steps of cricketer Mark Ramprakash and newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, Mr Cable replied: "Yes, that's a real ambition, a serious ambition!"

Brucie

Mr Cable is standing in as Lib Dem leader until a successor is found for Sir Menzies Campbell, who resigned last month.

An avid viewer of Strictly Come Dancing, he told GMTV: "Bruce Forsyth is, of course, just over the top.

"But actually the judges are great, the dancers are great. I'm backing Alesha, this very beautiful and very talented dancer."

Mr Huhne, who is one of two contenders to replace Mr Cable as Lib Dem leader, told the BBC: "I saw Vince dancing with [his wife] Rachel the other day and he's a shoo-in.